Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and has returned to his club following a thigh injury.
The Rangers striker’s participation in the tournament came to an end after he sustained the injury during Nigeria’s Group C campaign in Morocco.
The Super Eagles media department confirmed Dessers’ departure on Friday, stating that the thigh injury had forced him out of the squad ahead of Nigeria’s round of 16 clash against Mozambique on Monday.
‘A thigh injury has ruled Cyriel Dessers out of the team. He has now returned to his club’, the statement read.
Dessers had been carrying the injury for several days and was among three players who missed the squad’s New Year’s Day training session on Thursday, alongside Ryan Alebiosu and Victor Osimhen.
The 30-year-old forward underwent a scan to determine the extent of the thigh problem, which has now been confirmed as serious enough to end his AFCON campaign.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles full-back Ryan Alebiosu has been handed a significant boost after it was confirmed that his injury is not as serious as initially feared.
The Blackburn Rovers defender, who made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda, suffered a deep cut to his right leg during Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory.
The incident raised immediate concerns that the 24-year-old could be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, with early reports suggesting he could face up to a month on the sidelines.
Those fears have been allayed. Alebiosu is expected to miss only a couple of weeks and will remain with the Nigeria squad throughout their time at AFCON 2025.
The right-back did not participate in Friday evening’s training session but was present at the team’s session as his recovery from the leg injury progresses.
Crucially, Alebiosu will not return to his club and remains part of Eric Chelle’s plans as the Super Eagles prepare for the knockout phase.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Alebiosu was drafted into the Super Eagles squad on the eve of the AFCON following injuries to Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick.
The former Arsenal youngster made his debut against Uganda as the Super Eagles wrapped up a perfect group-stage campaign. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was amongst many who applauded Alebiosu following his display against the Ugandans.
Blackburn Rovers manager Valerien Ismael has since provided reassurance, insisting the injury is not a major issue.
‘Ryan Alebiosu played 90 minutes for Nigeria with no problem. He has a cut, but it’s nothing major for us’, Ismael said.
Nigeria, who finished Group C with a 100 per cent record, now face Mozambique’s Mambas in the round of 16 in Fès on Monday.
